Cape Town to Victoria Falls

A Hop, Skip, and a Jump into a Wild Getaway [ WRITER: Kim Sparrow ] [ PHOTO: David Rodgers, Jenman African Safaris, Africa Albida Tourism ]

When one travels, one searches for different perspectives. We seek change. Of scenery, of mind, of conversation and stimulus. We also aim to change gear – to slow down and reconnect, or to chase adrenalin and reawaken our adventurous spirits.

Africa’s landscape is undoubtedly an invitation for adventure. It calls to the wild wanderer, the culturally curious, the artist as well as the philosopher. Its rivers summon the athletic explorer, whereas its vistas beckon the dreamers, and its cultural quilt, historians. Africa offers a travel tincture for everyone reaching out in recognition of what you seek in a journey.

There are no boundaries or borders to the adventurous spirit, whether it be tackling fresh terrain outdoors, or absorbing surroundings in inner exploration; the soul is equally fulfilled. Lucky enough to be the soul searching lesser spotted tourists, Viwe Ndongeni and I, Kim Sparrow from Jenman African Safaris, recently embarked on a trip to one of Africa’s top travel destinations; Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Travelling from Cape Town on Kenya Airways, I was collecting stories for Jenman African Safaris and Viwe for IOL Travel. We were ready to immerse ourselves in new experiences. Adventure, enveloped in awareness, had finally become a reality after being armchair travellers for the last few months, the light at the end of the travel tunnel shining brightly as we boarded the plane. trepidation involved, however if done in the correct way, with intention and awareness, fears and hurdles can be overcome. One of the biggest challenges has been the everchanging protocols and flight connectivity between destinations, making the planning of a trip overwhelming. However, our journey from check-in to our flight, to landing with Kenya Airways was smooth sailing; all safety protocols adhered to, allowing travel to be both an adventurous and responsible affair. We were even gifted with an upgrade to Business Class, the start of our adventure paired with champagne!

The three-hour direct flight delivered us onto Zimbabwean soil in effortless efficiency. A transfer to town with Wild Horizons had us sipping sundowners at Ilala Lodge beneath the

[ NANTWICH LODGE HIDEAWAYS ]

glow of its golden cassia tree. We reflected on the easy access South Africa now has to this eccentric town, thanks to Kenya Airways, home to a world wonder as well as untamed wilderness.

Striking up excited conversation with other travellers around us, our compatriots of curiosity, we discovered many were residents of neighbouring countries. The understanding that adventure is really on one’s doorstep, around the corner or just over the border has reignited a pride in our land, taking the time to absorb our surroundings. Africa has never been more determined to share the wild wonders of its colourful and quilted landscapes. We have been reminded why she is the motherland.

ILALA LODGE is conveniently located in the heart of town, a mere 8-minute walk to the waterfall wonder! Rising with the dawn, we went to explore Victoria Falls, the spray of its water inviting from a distance, living true to its name, ‘Mosi-oaTunya’ - ‘The Smoke that Thunders’. As a local Zimbabwean, I was returning home, the Zambezi already running through my veins, the sound of the waterfall as natural as its flow for me. Witnessing Viwe encounter the Victoria Falls for the first time, however, filled me both with pride as well as a reminder of its wonder.

Next stop; NANTWICH LODGE HIDEAWAYS, Hwange National Park. Nantwich is located a mere hour’s drive from Victoria Falls, on the northwestern wing of Hwange. The lodge sits on the borders of both the Matetsi concession as well as Chobe National Park in Botswana, animals migrating freely between the areas – a veritable animal intersection. Remote, refurbished and resurrected from a bygone era, the lodge is built

on the foundations of responsible tourism, simple yet refined, with a personal twist. In time for lunch, we sat overlooking the vlei, the rising heat an invitation for animals to appear at the waterhole. This experience reframed the definition of ‘armchair safari’ for us, a travel dream which was now a reality as zebras and buffalo descended mere metres away to quench their thirst.

A game drive the next day led with the advice of, ‘expect anything and assume nothing’. Simply happy to be in the bush and immersed in nature, we were open to whatever gifts the wild was willing to give. Exploring the various pans in the area, seeking out water sources where wildlife may find reprieve, we came across a rare and surprising find. Two female lions fringed the pan, staring intently into its shallow waters, with the backdrop of a large bull elephant. Pawing at the mud, our guide explained they were fishing out the catfish stuck in the receding waters of summer! We sat quietly mesmerised at the ancient knowledge and resilience of nature, adapting and surviving each respective season. Waking with the sun the following morning, I sat on my verandah, coffee accompanied by gratitude of the simplicity of the beauty before me. Time in the wild moves at its own pace. It seems to slow down, stretching across the horizon. Surrendering to the wilderness that surrounds us, we are changed by nature, being allowed a small glimpse into its timeless ways, charmed by its magic. Our next adventure took us back to Victoria Falls, onto the elegant RA-IKANE boat launching from the Palm River Hotel for a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The Palm River Hotel is a simple, yet beautifully elegant hotel situated on the banks of the river, nestled within the riverine forest. The Zambezi waters offer a consistent channel of wild wonder, from its wildlife to its ecosystems and iconic African sunsets. Our cruise was blessed with the sighting of elephants grazing along the riverbank, proceeding to wade into its waters and swim across to the other side, a breathtaking safari spectacle. This is where a safari upon water holds its charm – it’s invitation to unwind with the proximity and viewpoint of the African landscape unlike any other.

The rhythm of the Boma at SAFARI LODGE filled our final evening with the heartbeat of Zimbabwe, djembe drums leading traditional dancers around the floor. We had a glimpse through the window of Zimbabwean ritual, cultural curiosity fulfilled. Falling into our beds with satisfied exhaustion at the exclusive and stylish Victoria Falls Safari Club, we dreamed deeply of freshly formed memories of waterfalls, fishing felines, sunset cruises, and the steady beat of Africa. Our return journey home took us into Zambia, flying out of Livingstone, once again with Kenya Airways. A straightforward transit with Wild Horizons took us seamlessly through the border and onto the airport, checked in and ready to fly. Sun-kissed and soul filled, this 5-day adventure had us refreshed and our hunger for adventure, satiated. Our direct flight home had us sharing our stories of the wonders of Zimbabwe, its accessibility, its people, its activities and its wild spaces. We urge you to do the same, embarking on a weekend away, Cape town to Victoria Falls, a hop, skip, and a jump into a wild getaway.

[ Victoria Falls Safari Club Lounge deck ]